Jorge Masvidal under consideration to fight Gilbert Melendez for Strikeforce lightweight title

ProElite.com (SamCaplan.ProElite.com) has confirmed through Strikeforce Vice President Mike Afromowitz that BodogFIGHT lightweight competitor Jorge Masvidal is under consideration to receive a shot at the promotion’s lightweight title currently held by Gilbert Melendez on March 29 in San Jose at the HP Pavilion.

The news was first reported in this week’s print edition of Dave Meltzer’s Wrestling Observer. According to Meltzer’s report, Koutetsu Boku is the other candidate that’s receiving strong consideration.

The March 29 show, which will be co-promoted by Strikeforce and EliteXC and scheduled to air on Showtime, will be headlined by Frank Shamrock defending his Strikeforce middleweight title against Cung Le.

Masvidal, who currently trains with American Top Team in Florida, is an aggressive fighter who currently has two fights remaining on his contract with BodogFIGHT. However, Bodog is one of Strikeforce’s top sponsors and has loaned its fighters to the promotion in the past. In fact, Masvidal competed under the Bodog banner on Strikeforce’s September show at the Playboy Mansion, where he recorded a first round TKO over veteran Matt Lee.

I grew up with him. That kid has been through soooo much man he deserves it. He left our old team to ATT,and they are treating him great, and they are building him great. I hope he fights him, and wins.